<Begin Segment 22>

TI: So we're now on the third tape, and so we just finished you telling us about how Pete Fujino was killed. I now want to go back and talk more about just your battle experiences.

JS: You know, my battle experiences are nothing really memorable for me. I know that I was continually afraid, and wondering if I would be able to survive without having some sort of a breakdown. But I managed, but it was... that was probably the most difficult part of it. Once, you know, you get into charging or whatever, racing across the field with gunfire all around you, that wasn't as difficult as the, your own thoughts of fear of being killed or maimed, you know. So that was a burden that you had to live with, and it was, that was the most difficult part.

TI: Did Pete's death have an impact in terms of your thinking when it happened?

JS: No... yes and no. Yes because, you know, you see a guy that's, was having a good time, and, just a short while ago, and now, not there. So it is difficult to accept. But that's the way it was. Other people lost, you know, friends, and I guess it would your uncle on the Kinoshita side. And whoever you lose, it's, it leaves a mark. So, but it's not unusual; it's happening all the time with soldiers.

TI: Did you feel bad because Pete's mother asked you to kind of watch out for him? Did you in any way feel any guilt about this?

JS: Well, yes, I did, but then I knew that there was nothing I could do. So, did it prevent me from functioning? No, I was still able to function. As I said earlier, the most difficult part was the fear that you're experiencing, and wondering whether you're gonna be killed or whatever. But you can't let your buddies down, if you will, so you have to keep going. But it was difficult, yeah.

<End Segment 22> - Copyright © 2007 Densho. All Rights Reserved.